Undisputed Super Welterweight World Champion Jermell Charlo(35-1-1, 19 KOs) and unbeaten contender Tim Tszyu(21-0, 15 KOs) previewed their highly-anticipated showdown during a virtual press conference before they rumble for real live on Saturday, January 28, from Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas headlining a Premier Boxing Champions Event(SHOWTIME).
Tszyu comes from good stock as his father, Kostya Tszyu, was an undisputed world champion. Interestingly enough, Kostya fought for his first world title in Las Vegas on the same date 27 years ago that Tim will now face Charlo in his first championship bid.
“I don’t underestimate anyone, but Tim Tszyu is not the same caliber as I am,” Charlo said. “His father has done things in boxing, but my pedigree is strong. My pedigree is proven and has been destined for many years.
“Tszyu is young and hungry, but I’m young and hungry as well. I’m in the prime of my life, and I’m going to challenge myself on January 28.”
Since his first and only loss to Tony Harrison in 2018, Charlo has been dominant. Four of his last five fights have ended by stoppage. However, according to Charlo, he doesn’t get the respect he deserves.
“I’m very humble at the end of the day because we all come to win,” he said. “There’s much respect to any boxer who comes into that ring. But I’m different. I’m different than anybody else in the pound-for-pound list. I still don’t get the respect that I deserve, but I don’t worry about it. I keep that same energy.”
In the end, Charlo feels no one, including Tszyu, is on his level at 154 pounds.
“Nobody is ready for me in my division,” he said. “Everybody is training and says they’re ready. We’re just going to go in there and entertain the people.
“I can stay in this division for my whole career. I can’t predict the future, but I’m ready to get it on as fast as y’all are ready to see it. I make this weight easily. Boxing is a lifestyle for me. We’re going to enjoy it later.”
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